Held February 15 to 17 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center, the annual three-day auction pulled strong crowds from across North America and as far away as Europe, as more than 460 desirable classics, fast sports cars and great American muscle cars crossed the block. With a larger offering of cars than last year’s auction, the 2008 event achieved in excess of $18 million in sales.

“Our Fort Lauderdale event has carved a reputation as Florida’s preeminent classic car event thanks to its ability to draw a wide range of motor cars and collectors from across the continent,” said RM’s Donnie Gould, a 30-year veteran of the classic car industry.

“As well as appealing to auto enthusiasts, this year’s event attracted new interest, including a large number of local boaters and visitors in town for the Miami International Boat Show, who share an appreciation for fine craftsmanship, styling and the luxury lifestyle represented by the respective collector hobbies”.

The headliner and top seller of the three-day auction was a 1966 AC Cobra 427 Roadster in largely original condition, which sparked lively bidding with a final hammer price of $781,000. Another star attraction of the sale was a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Roadster, which sold for $495,000.

Other notable highlights included:

A 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible attracted a final bid of $231,000.

A 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible for $220,000.

A 1968 Shelby GT500 KR Convertible achieved $217,250

A 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible brought $198,000.

RM Auctions will return to Florida again next month for the annual multi-million dollar Automobiles of Amelia Island auction event. The 2008 event marks RM’s 10th anniversary sale on Amelia Island, an occasion which will be celebrated by the sale of over 100 investment quality motor cars, including a historic pair of automobiles custom built for Edsel B. Ford, then President of the Ford Motor Company, and a rare pair of 1929 Model J Duesenbergs with celebrity provenance.

For full sales results and further event information, please visit www.rmauctions.com.